Assembly OKs ban on outsourcing state work during hiring freezes

The Assembly passed legislation that would prohibit executive agencies from contracting, subcontracting or hiring third parties to perform services ordinarily done by state employees covered by collective bargaining agreements whenever a hiring freeze is in effect.

The sponsor explained the bill would prevent outsourcing of state services during a hiring freeze in order to protect state employees’ job security and preserve service quality for New Yorkers. Lawmakers asked whether the prohibition takes effect immediately when a hiring freeze is declared, how emergencies would be handled, whether temporary short‑term projects would be blocked, and whether the executive could issue waivers.

The sponsor and other supporters said existing cooperative agreements and emergency authorities can address true emergencies and that the policy is specifically targeted to prevent substitution of contractors for bargaining‑unit employees during a hiring freeze. Opponents argued a blanket ban could leave agencies unable to get temporary help for critical projects when attrition leaves departments short staffed; several members urged narrower language or an explicit waiver process.

The Assembly recorded the vote: Ayes 142, Noes 3. The bill was passed on the floor.